| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Holyoke/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,775 | n/a (estimate) | 4,678 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 6 | n/a | 15.8 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 29.0 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 57 | n/a | 150.2 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 290 | n/a | 764.3 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 364 | n/a (estimate) | 959 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 132 | n/a | 347.9 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,161 | n/a | 3,059.7 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 118 | n/a | 311.0 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,411 | n/a (estimate) | 3,719 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Holyoke crime rate is higher than the national average by 101.3%. Specifically, there were 364 violent crimes in Holyoke, equivalent to 959 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 159.4%. Furthermore, Holyoke recorded 1411 property crimes, amounting to 3719 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 90.3%.
Having a crime rate of 4678 per 100,000 residents, Holyoke experiences a crime rate that is 101.27% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Holyoke contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Holyoke has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 959 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Holyoke falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 105 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Holyoke is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 6 murders in Holyoke, which equates to 16 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Holyoke being a very dangerous place to live.
Every year, one in 27 people fall victim to a property crime in Holyoke - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3719 per 100,000 people, Holyoke has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Holyoke residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 48 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 27% of Holyoke residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 73% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Holyoke a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Holyoke has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 101%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 4.86 daily incidents, encompassing 1 violent crimes and 3.87 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Holyoke as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Holyoke. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Holyoke has increased by 6.5%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 0.8%, while property crime has increased by 8.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Holyoke.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Holyoke crime rates. In Holyoke, the poverty rate stands at 27.5%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Holyoke, 74.5% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Holyoke is $197,700, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| Item | Holyoke | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 137 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Granby, CT | 1,425 | 40 | 395 | 435 |
| Granby, MA | 1,183 | 66 | 414 | 480 |
| Amherst Center, MA | 20,037 | 194 | 331 | 525 |
| Belchertown, MA | 3,037 | 124 | 537 | 661 |
| Longmeadow, MA | 15,736 | 89 | 578 | 667 |
| Hatfield, MA | 1,154 | 182 | 515 | 697 |
| Easthampton Town, MA | 15,930 | 157 | 647 | 804 |
| Holyoke, MA | 40,161 | 959 | 3,719 | 4,678 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Quincy, IL | 40,111 | 403 | 2,361 | 2,763 |
| San Gabriel, CA | 40,108 | 472 | 2,212 | 2,684 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | 40,100 | 601 | 2,456 | 3,057 |
| Hollister, CA | 40,100 | 306 | 765 | 1,071 |
| Newnan, GA | 40,227 | 1,213 | 2,040 | 3,253 |
| Holyoke, MA | 40,161 | 959 | 3,719 | 4,678 |
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